I started on my frame with out a regulator... It can be done. It is very difficult in turning the corners. you do not realize your speed when you are doing a curve. I had a very difficult time getting even stitches.. and yes you have to have your machine fast to get the best movement, or at least i did. I had lots of loopy stuff from the bobbin from the direction ... when moving backwards to the way the machine was made to sew, I would end up with loops on the back. I could not ever seem to get away from the loops. I have a regulator now and it is like night and day. No loopy stuff on back and stitches are more uniform. I would not go back to sewing on the frame with out a regulator.